Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could lure termites, such as the following:- Cracks in expansion joints
- Deadwood
- Firewood stacks
- Pooling water around the foundation
- Standing water on the roof
- Wood mulch close to the foundation
- Wooden deck supports
- Wooden fences
Interior Inspection
When evaluating for termites, professionals generally pair the exterior inspection with a meticulous interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on humid areas, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may examine the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If an infestation is found, your pest control professional will suggest a personalized treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. Many providers prefer to use chemical treatments, which are highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the inspection company might advise a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things that could draw termites. The inspection company may recommend landscape improvements or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and enhance drainage. Addressing these issues lowers the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty pays for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain period of time after service. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These cover costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several important considerations for selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may insist on assessing the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More time in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the contracts in black and white for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: A professional pesticide applicator in Colorado should hold either a commercial or limited commercial/public applicator licenses from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Always ensure that your provider is properly insured. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Providers with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.